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Wow, I completely dropped off of the face of the earth for awhile there, didn’t I? I could sit here at my computer and start making excuses, but we would all know that they’re excuses. My life has taken some crazy twists and turns, but I hope you all know how much I appreciate that you read the words I throw out into this gigantic void we call the internet. I’m sorry I’ve been gone so long. I hope we’re still friends.

I logged into my SurveyMonkey, and found a few really awesome questions that had been languishing there, and one that made me raise my eyebrows a little.

To the young man who sent me the same question in at least three different forums (YouTube comment, Google+ post, and through the SurveyMonkey) about his penis size: if your penis is actually the dimensions you are stating, you might have a real shot at candidacy for the Guinness Book of World Records. You would certainly have a lucrative career as a star in pornographic films, if you chose to pursue that as an option. Quite frankly, I think you were exaggerating and you decided to send me a fantasy of yours. I can assure you, there are almost certainly other people on the internet who would love to read about it. If you enjoy writing fantasy of this nature, you may want to look for erotic literature sites that allow users to upload their own stories. I have a particular fondness for Literotica, myself.

Now on to the real questions!

Hi Suzanne! I am a 15 year old girl and my older sister recommended your blog since I am starting to get curious about my body and the changes I have already started going through. I usually have vaginal discharge throughout the month (I have a regular menstrual cycle and started getting my period at 13) and am not sure if I should be worried about it or not. Is discharge normal? p.s. I usually get discharge more often about a week or two before my period. The odor is also more potent during that time. The odor is kinda salty I guess? Not sure how to explain it. Thanks!

Hello my dear!

Let me start off by reassuring you that vaginal discharge is totally normal, and nothing to be worried about. In fact, when you start learning the reasons behind vaginal discharge, you might think it is actually pretty cool. I know I do, but it’s my job to think these things are really cool.

Take a look at that image above. Vaginal discharge is actually a mucus that is secreted by glands in the cervix. Normal colors of this mucus are clear, white, and off-white. It has several different functions, but it is primarily there to make sure that your vagina stays clean. The discharge cleans out the dead bacteria, and keeps the vaginal canal moist and comfortable. If you were to do a pH test, you’d find that the vaginal discharge is mildly acidic. This helps prevent infections, and also helps keep the normally occurring bacteria at healthy levels. The acidity also means that the mucus may discolor your underwear, especially black underwear. I didn’t know that this was totally normal for the longest time, and I actually started wondering if there was something wrong with my vaginal discharge.

You’ve already noticed that there is a difference in your vaginal discharge throughout your menstrual cycle, and again, that is totally normal! The mucus changes in consistency when a woman is ovulating, because the cervix is making sure that the vagina is as clean and healthy as possible when an egg is released. As soon as you hit puberty and start menstruating (yes, even at 13!), your reproductive system works together to try and make sure that you always have the best of conditions to get pregnant if sperm is introduced into the vagina during this time. I have always thought it was really interesting and, again, super cool, that our reproductive systems actually clean themselves.

There are a few things you can do to help make sure that your vagina stays healthy. Wearing cotton underwear as your everyday underwear is probably the most helpful. The fabric allows air to flow freely, and helps prevent a buildup of sweat and keep harmful bacteria from being introduced to your vagina. There is evidence that eating yogurt with active cultures also helps keep the bacteria in your vaginal canal healthy and in balance. Some women, especially those of older generations, will douche after their menstrual cycle. Douching is forcing water and a cleanser into your vagina, and it is really really unhealthy. Please don’t ever do this! It can kill those naturally occurring bacteria, and will make you more susceptible to an infection.

If you feel self-conscious of the vaginal discharge, you might find that wearing a pantyliner on a regular basis will help you to feel more confident, but you should avoid the ones that are scented. This goes for everything that goes anywhere near your vagina! Using pantyliners, pads, or tampons that are perfumed can actually irritate the sensitive skin on your labia. You said you have noticed a difference in the smell of your vaginal discharge depending on the time of your menstrual cycle. I promise, no one else has any idea that the smell is different.

If you find that your vaginal discharge changes in color or smell in a way that is unfamiliar, especially if you are sexually active, you should make an appointment to go see your doctor or gynecologist. This can indicate an infection, and it should be treated as soon as possible. Not treating an infection for an extended period of time can actually lead to serious complications, including making it impossible for you to ever get pregnant or have a baby. I know you’re probably not thinking about getting pregnant right now, but making sure that things are always healthy will help you in the future!

Lastly, thank you so much for your question. I hope my answer helped!

Do you have a question for me? You can go here to ask me anything about sex and relationships, completely anonymously!